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Creamy Carbonara with Crispy Chicken & Bacon

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor? This Creamy Carbonara with Crispy Chicken & Bacon is a dreamy blend of silky Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, golden-crusted chicken, and smoky crispy bacon. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a restaurant treat but is easy enough to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, a quick comfort meal, or something to impress without the stress, this dish delivers. With every bite, you’ll get layers of creamy, crispy, and savory satisfaction. It’s the perfect choice for weeknight indulgence or weekend entertaining!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 large egg yolks (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bacon Topping:

  • 5–6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Slice chicken into strips, season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
  2. Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop. Reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat.
  3. Fry Chicken: In oil over medium-high heat, fry breaded chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Let rest on a rack or paper towels.
  4. Boil Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
  5. Make Sauce: In the bacon-fat skillet, add olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in cream, then Parmesan. Optional: temper and stir in egg yolks. Add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce as needed.
  6. Combine: Toss drained pasta into the sauce, mixing to coat well. Let simmer for a minute to absorb flavor.
  7. Assemble: Plate pasta, top with crispy chicken and chopped bacon. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.
  8. Serve: Enjoy warm and fresh!

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Find it online: https://sallymeals.com/creamy-carbonara-with-crispy-chicken-bacon/